Description
This Broccoli Salad with Bacon is a must-try dish that combines crispy bacon, sweet cranberries, creamy cheddar cheese, and crunchy sunflower seeds—all tossed in a zesty homemade dressing. Perfect for summer barbecues, holiday gatherings, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests, this salad offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures. It’s easy to prepare in just 35 minutes and is sure to become a crowd favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 10–11 strips cooked bacon
- 2 heads broccoli (about 1 and 1/2 pounds)
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1/3 cup roasted sunflower seeds
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/3 cup chopped red onion
- 1 & 1/4 cups Miracle Whip or mayonnaise
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 & 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- 1. Cook the bacon: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place bacon on a lined baking sheet and bake for 15–20 minutes until crispy. Let cool and chop.
- 2. Prepare the dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together Miracle Whip or mayonnaise, lemon zest, lemon juice, white wine vinegar, sugar, kosher salt, black pepper, dry mustard, and cayenne pepper until smooth.
- 3. Chop broccoli: Cut broccoli into bite-sized florets.
- 4. Combine: Add chopped broccoli to the dressing along with cranberries, sunflower seeds, cheese, red onion, and most of the bacon. Mix well.
- 5. Serve or chill: Enjoy immediately or refrigerate for at least an hour before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 3/4 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 590mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 30mg